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  • No Major Gains After 50 Days of Single-Stock Leverage and Inverse ETFs
    No Major Gains After 50 Days of Single-Stock Leverage and Inverse ETFs 국내 첫 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 ETF(상장지수펀드)가 상장 50일이 됐지만 투자자들이 기대했던 '대박'은 없었다. 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스를 기초자산으로 한 레버리지 상품은 물론 하락장에서 수익을 노린 인버스 상품까지 모두 기준가를 밑돌며 '양방향 손실'을 본 것으로 파악됐다. 레버리지·인버스 상품 모두 50일간 40% 안팎의 손실률을 기록했다. 투자자 피해가 커지자 이재명 대통령은 "보완대책을 신속히 강구하라"고 지시했다. <관련기사 3면>15일 한국거래소에 따르면 지난 5월 27일 상장한 삼성전자·SK하이닉스 단일종목 레버리지 ETF 12종과 인버스 ETF 2종은 지난 14일까지 전 종목이 상장 당시 기준가를 밑돌았다. 레버리지 ETF는 기초자산 일일 수익률의 2배를 추종하는 구조인 만큼 손실 폭도 확대됐다. SK하이닉스를 추종하는 상품은 -31.90~-36.89%, 삼성전자 상품은 -33.44~-36.02%의 수익률을 기록했다. 같은 기간 본주인 SK하이닉스와 삼성전자 주가가 각각 6.77%, 12.04% 하락한 걸 감안하면 레버리지 상품 손실이 3배가량 높았다. 하락에 베팅한 인버스 ETF도 부진했다. SOL SK하이닉스선물단일종목인버스2X는 44.16%, PLUS 삼성전자선물단일종목인버스2X는 15.83% 하락했다. 투자자 손실이 확대되면서 정부도 제도개선에 나선 상태다. 이재명 대통령은 이날 청와대 영빈관에서 열린 하반기 부처 업무보고에서 이찬진 금감원장에게 "최근 삼성·하이닉스 ETF 때문에 많이 당하고 있는 것 같다"며 "보완 대책을 신속하게 잘 마련하도록 해달라"고 지시했다.이 대통령의 지시로 정부는 조만간 단일종목 레버리지 ETF 보완대책을 내놓을 방침이다. 현재 1000만원인 기본예탁금 상향, 투자 한도 제한 등이 검토되고 있는 것으로 알려졌다. 최종 방안은 이르면 16일 열리는 거시경제·금융현안 간담회(F4 회의)에서 나올 예정이다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:44:00
  • Leverage and Inverse ETFs Suffer Major Losses Amid Market Volatility
    Leverage and Inverse ETFs Suffer Major Losses Amid Market Volatility 국내 첫 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 상장지수펀드(ETF)의 50일 성적표는 처참했다. 역대급 변동성과 함께 하락장이 이어지면서 모든 종목이 큰 폭의 손실을 기록했다. 상승과 하락에 베팅하는 양방향 모두 30~44%의 손실률을 기록했다. 물론 이 손실률은 5월 27일 상품 출시 후 계속 보유하고 있을 때를 가정한 숫자다. 개별 투자자의 수익률은 천양지차일 것으로 추정된다. 이 상품 일일 회전율이 수천%로, 하루에도 수십번씩 사고파는 '단타 매매'가 대부분이기 때문이다. 다만 증권가에선 요즘 같은 예측 불가의 급등락 장세에선 레버리지 ETF와 인버스 ETF까지 모두 마이너스 수익률이 불가피할 것이란 분석이 나온다. 15일 한국거래소에 따르면 지난 5월 27일 상장한 단일종목 인버스 ETF 2종은 지난 14일 기준 모두 상장 당시 기준가를 크게 밑돌았다. SOL SK하이닉스선물단일종목인버스2X는 기준가 2만5원에서 1만1170원으로 내려 44.16% 하락했다. 거래대금은 55조6089억원으로 나타났다. PLUS 삼성전자선물단일종목인버스2X도 2만원에서 1만6835원으로 떨어져 15.83%의 손실을 기록했다. 거래대금은 8조2633억원이었다. 기초자산인 삼성전자, SK하이닉스 주가가 하락한 것과는 상반된 결과다. 같은 기간 SK하이닉스는 205만2000원에서 191만3000원으로 6.77%, 삼성전자는 29만9000원에서 26만3000원으로 12.04% 각각 내렸다. 일반적으로 하락장에서 인버스 상품은 수익이 발생할 것으로 기대되지만 실제 성과는 정반대로 나타났다. 신한자산운용은 단일종목 인버스 ETF의 구조적 특성이 이 같은 결과를 낳았다고 설명했다. 단일종목 인버스 ETF는 특정 기간의 누적 수익률이 아니라 하루 단위 등락률의 -2배를 추종한다. 예를 들어 주가가 하루 10% 하락한 뒤 다음 날 11.1% 상승하면 원주가는 제자리로 돌아오지만 인버스 ETF는 첫날 20% 상승한 뒤 다음 날 22.2% 하락하면서 최종적으로 손실이 발생한다. 이러한 과정이 반복될수록 복리 효과로 손실은 더욱 커질 수 있다. 신한자산운용 관계자는 "선물가격과 현물가격 간의 차이와 매일 수익률을 재설정하는 일별 추종 방식의 복리 효과가 누적되면서 투자자가 기대하는 누적 수익률과 실제 성과가 달라질 수 있다"고 말했다. 상승에 투자하는 레버리지 ETF도 마찬가지다. 삼성전자와 SK하이닉스를 추종하는 12개 레버리지 ETF는 모두 30% 이상 하락했다. SK하이닉스 레버리지 상품은 1Q SK하이닉스선물단일종목레버리지(-36.89%)가 가장 큰 손실을 기록했고, 삼성전자 레버리지 상품은 1Q 삼성전자선물단일종목레버리지(-36.02%), KIWOOM 삼성전자선물단일종목레버리지(-35.58%) 등이 뒤를 이었다. 레버리지 ETF의 누적 거래량은 약 140억6196만주, 거래대금은 약 338조6616억원에 달했다. 이 가운데 KODEX SK하이닉스단일종목레버리지가 거래량 53억4029만주, 거래대금 145조7075억원으로 가장 활발하게 거래됐다. 이어 TIGER SK하이닉스단일종목레버리지(75조751억원), KODEX 삼성전자단일종목레버리지(69조7732억원), TIGER 삼성전자단일종목레버리지(40조1139억원) 순으로 거래대금이 많았다. 시장에서는 이번 상장 50거래일 성적표가 단일종목 레버리지·인버스 ETF의 구조적 한계를 보여준 사례라는 평가가 나온다. 기초자산의 방향성만 맞춘다고 수익이 보장되는 상품이 아니라 일일 수익률 추종과 복리 효과로 인해 변동성이 커질수록 성과 왜곡이 확대될 수 있어 장기 보유에는 적합하지 않다는 지적이다. 금융당국도 이 같은 구조적 위험성을 우려해왔다. 이찬진 금융감독원장은 지난달 22일 기자간담회에서 "레버리지 ETF의 회전율이 높다. 자동매매 프로그램을 돌리지 않는 이상 사실상 하루 종일 거래에 매달려야 하는 수준"이라고 말했다. 이어 "이처럼 투자자의 삶에 과도한 부담을 줄 수 있는 상품이 적절한 금융상품인지 개인적으로 의문이 든다"고 지적했다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00
  • Single-Stock Leverage ETFs: Experts Advocate for Improvements Over Cancellations
    Single-Stock Leverage ETFs: Experts Advocate for Improvements Over Cancellations The South Korean government has been deliberating for two weeks on measures to improve single-stock leverage ETFs. Despite a public petition calling for their complete cancellation, officials are concerned about the potential backlash from eliminating the products entirely. On July 15, President Yoon Suk Yeol directed the swift development of supplementary measures, indicating that solutions may be forthcoming soon.The securities industry has proposed several alternatives, including raising the minimum deposit requirements, tailored risk warnings, expanding investor education, and distributing rebalancing trades. These proposals were announced following a meeting hosted by the Korea Financial Investment Association on July 14. Hwang Seong-yeop, chairman of the association, expressed hope that enhancing investor protection efforts and making some institutional adjustments would foster a more trustworthy market environment.Financial authorities, including the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, have yet to provide specific responses. Reports suggest that the cancellation of the products or restrictions on new listings are not under consideration. However, there are expectations that while industry feedback will be taken into account, additional measures may be introduced.Experts from academia have assessed the industry's proposed measures as a necessary compromise to balance investor demand and market stability. Kim Sang-bong, a professor of economics at Hansung University, stated, "It is not practically feasible to cancel or abolish single-stock leverage ETFs immediately. In the current situation, raising the minimum deposit and strengthening risk warnings are sufficient initial measures." He added that although the size of the ETFs may be small, the volatility of the underlying assets could significantly increase market volatility, suggesting that a more thorough review of market impacts and investor protection should have occurred during the initial approval process.Lee Jeong-hwan, a professor at Hanyang University’s Department of Economics and Finance, noted, "Eliminating the products is realistically difficult, and sudden liquidation could lead to investor losses and market chaos. Pursuing cancellations in a crowded product landscape could also raise compensation issues, creating significant burdens." He concluded that reducing marketing efforts and enhancing investor protection mechanisms are currently the most practical alternatives for the government and the industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00
  • Weather Forecast: Rain Expected in Central and Southern Regions, Heat Continues
    Weather Forecast: Rain Expected in Central and Southern Regions, Heat Continues On Thursday, rain is expected to fall primarily in the southern regions of Chungcheong and Jeju Island. Most areas across the country will continue to experience extreme heat, with perceived temperatures reaching around 31 degrees Celsius, and some regions may experience tropical nights.According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain will begin in Jeolla Province and Jeju Island on the morning of the 16th, expanding to southern Chungcheong and northwestern Gyeongsangnam-do by night. On the 17th, rain is forecasted to continue across most of southern Chungcheong, southern regions, and Jeju Island.Expected rainfall from the 16th to the 17th includes: 20-60 mm in Daejeon, southern Chungcheong, and southern Chungbuk; 30-80 mm in Jeonbuk, Gwangju, and Jeonnam; 30-80 mm in Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam; 20-60 mm in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (on the 17th); and 5-30 mm in Jeju Island.In areas experiencing rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms may occur. Reduced visibility and slippery roads could pose risks, so drivers are advised to slow down and maintain safe distances.Morning low temperatures are forecasted to range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius, while daytime highs are expected to reach between 28 and 37 degrees Celsius. Temperatures will be similar to or slightly above average, with perceived highs in most areas around 31 degrees Celsius. In particular, the eastern coastal regions of Gyeongbuk may see perceived temperatures rise to 35 degrees, while Gyeongnam could reach around 33 degrees, resulting in very hot conditions.Tropical nights, where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius, will continue, especially in the Gyeongsang region and Jeju Island.Currently, heat wave warnings are in effect for the mountainous and eastern coastal areas of Gangwon, Gyeongsang region, and Jeju Island. While some warnings may be lifted or eased with the rain, high humidity is expected to keep perceived temperatures elevated.Regional morning low temperatures are forecasted as follows: Seoul 23 degrees, Incheon 23 degrees, Chuncheon 22 degrees, Gangneung 25 degrees, Daejeon 22 degrees, Daegu 26 degrees, Jeonju 23 degrees, Gwangju 23 degrees, Busan 25 degrees, and Jeju 26 degrees.Daytime high temperatures are expected to be: Seoul 32 degrees, Incheon 30 degrees, Chuncheon 31 degrees, Gangneung 33 degrees, Daejeon 30 degrees, Daegu 35 degrees, Jeonju 30 degrees, Gwangju 30 degrees, Busan 32 degrees, and Jeju 31 degrees.In maritime areas, strong winds and high waves are expected, particularly in the far eastern sea where a wind advisory is in effect. There is also a possibility of a storm surge warning being issued for the western coast of Incheon and Gyeonggi, the Jeolla coast, the western coast of Gyeongnam, and the coast of Jeju Island from the night of the 15th to the early morning of the 16th due to the combination of weather conditions and high tides.On the 16th, gusty winds and thunderstorms are anticipated over the Yellow Sea, and on the 17th, similar conditions are expected over most maritime areas, prompting caution for vessels engaged in navigation and fishing.The Korea Meteorological Administration urges the public to stay hydrated, manage indoor temperatures, and limit outdoor activities for health safety.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00
  • Investors Lose 8 Trillion Won in 15 Days on Leveraged ETFs
    Investors Lose 8 Trillion Won in 15 Days on Leveraged ETFs In just 50 days since their launch, single-stock leveraged and inverse ETFs have attracted a significant number of individual investors. Many were betting on a booming stock market to double their profits. A total of 290,000 investors completed the required pre-investment education for these products. However, instead of the anticipated gains, they faced substantial losses, with estimated losses exceeding 8 trillion won in July alone.According to data from FnGuide, the evaluation profit and loss of four single-stock leveraged ETFs for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix shifted from a 2 trillion won profit at the end of June to a 6 trillion won loss by July 14. This marked a drastic decline of approximately 8 trillion won in investment performance within just two weeks.Despite the sharp market downturn, investor buying activity did not wane. During the same period, the cumulative net inflow for the four ETFs increased from 12.3 trillion won to 15.7 trillion won, a rise of about 3.4 trillion won. Individual investors viewed the declining market as an opportunity for bargain buying, but the leveraged structure of these ETFs meant that losses accumulated rapidly.In terms of assets under management (AUM), the total AUM for 16 single-stock leveraged ETFs fell from 16.1 trillion won at the end of June to 10.4 trillion won by July 14, a decrease of 5.7 trillion won (35.6%). Specifically, the net assets of seven Samsung Electronics single-stock leveraged ETFs dropped from 5.8 trillion won to 3.8 trillion won, a decline of 35.29%. The seven SK Hynix single-stock leveraged ETFs saw an even larger decrease, falling from 10.1 trillion won to 5.6 trillion won, a drop of 44.91%. In contrast, the net assets of two inverse ETFs increased from 182.8 billion won to 280.5 billion won, reflecting a surge in demand for risk-averse investments.Market analysts believe that the design structure of single-stock leveraged ETFs inherently leads to the magnification of losses. When individual investors buy leveraged ETFs, asset management firms and liquidity providers must purchase additional futures to match the daily returns at double the rate. If futures prices rise above spot prices, institutional and foreign investors may engage in arbitrage trading, further driving up spot prices. However, in a declining market, a sharp drop in indices triggers a mechanical rebalancing process in leveraged ETFs, leading to a flood of futures selling, which can exacerbate downward pressure on the spot market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:40:00
  • President Lee Jae-myung Calls for Shift to Preventive Disaster Response on Anniversary of Osong Tragedy
    President Lee Jae-myung Calls for Shift to Preventive Disaster Response on Anniversary of Osong Tragedy President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need to shift the disaster response system from recovery-focused to prevention-oriented during a memorial service marking the third anniversary of the Osong underpass tragedy.On July 15, at the memorial service held at the Chungbuk Provincial Office, President Lee stated, "We must transition from responding to accidents after they occur to a preventive approach that stops them before they happen." The remarks were delivered by Jeong Seong-hwan, the Chief of the Integrated Communication Office.President Lee expressed his condolences, saying, "I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and victims who carry the unimaginable pain of that day in their hearts."He noted, "The Osong underpass disaster left a painful lesson for our society," adding that there were multiple warnings about the risks and ample time to prepare."The consequences of ignoring those signals were devastating," he said, stressing, "We must never forget this tragedy."President Lee pointed out that due to the climate crisis, heavy rainfall and extreme weather have become commonplace, necessitating a change in disaster response strategies. He remarked, "Heavy rainfall and extreme weather caused by the climate crisis are no longer extraordinary disasters; they are part of our daily lives that we must always be prepared for. Therefore, our responses must also change."He promised proactive government measures, stating, "The government will take excessive precautionary measures and thoroughly inspect disaster-prone areas, including underpasses, riverbanks, and regions at risk of landslides and flooding."Additionally, he pledged to establish a robust response system to ensure immediate control and evacuation when risks are detected, saying, "We will not overlook any minor signs of danger, and we will create a system where relevant agencies respond responsibly."President Lee concluded, "I will not forget that the primary duty of the state is to protect the lives and safety of its citizens," assuring the public that the government will do everything possible to allow them to live their daily lives without worry.He added, "We will ensure that those who leave their homes in the morning can return safely to their families in the evening."Meanwhile, as urban flooding and the risk of underpass accidents increase, real-time information sharing and the establishment of proactive control standards among local governments, police, fire departments, and road management agencies have emerged as key tasks in disaster response.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 19:32:00
  • Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin Calls for Strengthening Core Competitiveness
    Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin Calls for Strengthening Core Competitiveness Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte Group, has called on the company’s management to strengthen its core competitiveness for the second half of the year. This includes streamlining non-core businesses and enhancing the value of key brands while adhering to fundamental management principles such as customer focus and profitability. On July 15, Lotte held its second-half VCM (formerly known as the president's meeting) at Lotte World Tower in Songpa, Seoul, chaired by Shin. Approximately 80 attendees, including representatives from Lotte Holdings and major subsidiaries, reviewed the first half's performance and discussed strategies for the upcoming months. Shin emphasized, "To gain new growth momentum in our core businesses, which have entered a mature phase, we must secure fundamental competitiveness that adheres to the basics of our industry." While he noted improvements in the group's overall performance during the first half, he assessed that external capital market evaluations remain cautious. He predicted that geopolitical uncertainties would increase in the second half, along with rapid advancements in technology, including AI agents. He urged a comprehensive examination of the management environment from a PEST perspective, which analyzes external factors based on Political, Economic, Social, and Technological elements. Shin pointed out that the group's business competitiveness has stagnated over the past decade. He identified key tasks for enhancing core competitiveness as selection and concentration, continuous improvement and innovation, and adherence to fundamental management principles. He called for the streamlining of non-core businesses that do not align with the group's strategy to enhance profitability and competitiveness, while also elevating the value of core brands in the global market. Concluding the meeting, Shin highlighted the need for innovation within the group for sustainable growth, citing examples from traditional industries. He stated, "Tradition should not be a ceiling that confines us but a starting line for new innovation," and urged CEOs to present clear visions, continuously improve from the customer’s perspective, boldly innovate, and evolve their organizations. The VCM began with a lecture by Doug Stephens, a futurist and global management consultant. Drawing from his experience in global corporate strategy, Stephens provided insights on AI trends and global market outlooks to Lotte's executives. This marked the first time Lotte invited a foreign speaker to the VCM. Shin is expected to focus the management strategy for the second half on AX, linking it to strengthening the business competitiveness of subsidiaries. Previously, he attended the 'CEO AI Academy' held on June 5-6, where he reviewed the group's AX promotion strategy. At that time, Shin defined AX as a top priority for the group's survival, stating, "We will support all employees in developing AI agent capabilities to drive innovative changes in our work methods." Lotte plans to conduct practical training on AI agents for all employees by the end of the year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 18:56:00
  • Government Discusses Foreign Affairs, Coupang Issues, and Inter-Korean Relations
    Government Discusses Foreign Affairs, Coupang Issues, and Inter-Korean Relations On July 15, government officials shared outcomes from President Lee Jae-myung's visits to NATO and Mongolia, and discussed various issues including the Coupang situation, the Sado mine controversy, and inter-Korean relations.Members of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, affiliated with the Democratic Party, held a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification in the National Assembly. They received reports from the ministries and engaged in a question-and-answer session.Hong Gi-won, the ruling party's secretary for the Foreign Affairs Committee, spoke to reporters after the meeting, stating, "We were supposed to hold a regular committee meeting, but due to the lack of committee formation, we proceeded with this consultation format. We heard reports from Foreign Minister Park Jin and Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young, and the ministers provided answers on various issues."Hong explained that discussions included the outcomes of President Lee's NATO visit and Mongolia state visit, as well as the Coupang situation and the Sado mine issue. He noted, "There was a report on the results and achievements of the President's visits, along with future tasks. Regarding Coupang, we discussed the recent report released by the U.S. Congress, emphasizing the need to prevent it from becoming a major issue between South Korea and the U.S."He added, "As for the Sado mine issue, the World Heritage Committee will meet this week in Busan. We will review whether Japan has fulfilled its commitments made when the Sado mine was designated as a World Cultural Heritage site two years ago, and discuss related matters."Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Committee requested cooperation from the Ministry of Unification for the prompt legislative process of pending bills related to inter-Korean relations.Hong stated, "There was a report on the achievements regarding inter-Korean relations since the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung government. In the second half of the year, there was a request for budget cooperation on essential laws and major projects under the Ministry of Unification."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 18:44:00
  • Private University Association Calls for Balanced Education Funding Reform
    Private University Association Calls for Balanced Education Funding Reform The Korean Council of Private University Presidents recently expressed concerns over the ongoing discussions regarding the reform of local education financial grants, warning against conflicts between primary, secondary, and higher education. They called for a balanced development of national education finance, particularly highlighting the crisis faced by private universities due to declining school-age populations and prolonged tuition freezes. On July 15, the council, led by President Jeon Min-hyeon, issued a statement urging the government and the National Assembly to expand financial support for higher education. The statement emphasized that the current discussions should not only focus on improving the efficiency of education finance in light of declining school-age populations but also ensure the sustainability of the entire education system in South Korea. The council cautioned against viewing the reform of education grants as a 'budget competition' or 'zero-sum conflict' between primary, secondary, and higher education. They stated, "Primary and secondary education is foundational national education, while higher education is essential for nurturing future talent that drives national competitiveness. These two areas are part of an integrated education system and must grow together." However, the council also voiced criticism regarding the current state of national investment in higher education. They noted that private universities, which account for 80% of higher education, are facing significant challenges due to long-term tuition freezes and declining school-age populations, which have severely weakened their educational and research foundations. The statement pointed out that while South Korea's public spending on primary and secondary education is among the highest in the OECD (155.1% for elementary and 179.2% for secondary), spending on higher education remains at a mere 68.5%, placing it at the bottom of the rankings. Only South Korea and Greece have lower public spending on higher education compared to primary and secondary education among the 38 OECD countries. In response, the council outlined three key demands to the government: 1) Proceed with careful discussions on grant reform under the principle of balanced operation and development of national education finance; 2) Expand national investment in higher education by utilizing various resources, including increases in grants due to surplus tax revenue; 3) Establish a stable and institutional legal framework, tentatively named the 'Higher Education Financial Grant Law,' to nurture talent in strategic industries such as AI, semiconductors, and biotechnology. The council reiterated the importance of the recent remarks by President Lee Jae-myung during the '2026 National Financial Strategy Meeting,' which highlighted the strategic investment direction for large surplus tax revenues resulting from the semiconductor boom, stating that now is the 'golden time' to drive innovation in higher education. Jeon Min-hyeon, president of the council, stated, "The future competitiveness of South Korea can only be realized when primary, secondary, and higher education grow together. We hope this discussion will serve as a new starting point for innovation in education finance and the nurturing of future talent, rather than a source of conflict over education finance."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 18:44:00
  • South Korea Plans Four-Year Integrated Military Academy in Daejeon
    South Korea Plans Four-Year Integrated Military Academy in Daejeon The Ministry of National Defense is reportedly considering the establishment of a four-year integrated military academy in Daejeon Jowon, which would combine the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. The government and ruling party plan to hold a meeting on July 16 at the National Assembly to review and announce the basic plan for the establishment of the military academy. According to military sources on July 15, the Ministry of National Defense is actively reviewing the establishment of the integrated military academy in Daejeon Jowon, where cadets would receive four years of unified education. Initially, the ministry considered a '2+2 model' where cadets would be selected together, receive common education in their first two years, and then split into their respective branches for specialized training in their final two years. However, the plan for a four-year integrated education in Daejeon Jowon has gained traction due to considerations for enhancing joint operations. The plan is for cadets to spend four years at Daejeon Jowon, with specialized training in their respective branches starting in the upper years. Daejeon Jowon, located in Yuseong District, is a hub for military education and training facilities, housing the Army, Navy, and Air Force universities, as well as the Joint Military University. Until the facilities in Jowon are completed, the ministry plans to temporarily use the Army Academy in Nowon District, Seoul, as the military academy. The existing Air Force Academy in Cheongju and the Naval Academy in Jinhae will also be partially utilized for specialized training. However, the selection process and timing for cadets have not yet been determined. Options being discussed include selecting a certain percentage of cadets from each branch from the outset or allowing cadets to choose their branch after a unified selection. Establishing the military academy will require legislative action, including the enactment of laws by the National Assembly. If the plan proceeds as scheduled, cadet selection could begin as early as the 2028 academic year, when current high school sophomores would enter college. In addition to the integration of the three military academies, the Ministry of National Defense is reportedly considering a long-term plan to merge other educational institutions, such as the Army Nursing Academy and the Defense Advanced Technology Academy, into a comprehensive military academy that encompasses various colleges.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-15 18:44:00